Tube-welding machine.



Patented- Sept. 3, I90I.

2 Shoah-Sheet l.

w. s. somos. TUBE WELDING IACHIIIE.

- (Applitinn mod In, 96, 1901.)

(lo Inllsl.)

Patented Sept. 3, |90I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

`fil". MQJL W S GURTUN TUBE WELDING ICI'IINE.

(Applicltion Mad Jan. 98, 1901.)

No. 68l,694.

(No I edel.)

Witze asses,

'we N'onus nin cov, mom.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VILLIAM S. GORTON, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

TUBE-WELDING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 681,694, datedSeptember 3, 1901.

Application filed January 26, 1901. Serial No. 44,798. (No model.)

chines, with special reference to mandrel means.

The nature of the invention consists of the means described in thefollowing specification and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detailcertain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed meansconstituting but one of various Inechanical forms in which the principleof the invention may be used.

Figure l is an end elevation of one form of the mandrel means, such endbeing that from which the tube comesin its welding passage, such tubebeing also shown together with fractional parts of two contact devicesand of two compressing devices. Fig. II is a detail view showing in 'topplan said form of mandrel means and in partly-broken-away top plan theimmediately-connected framework. Fig. III is a side elevation of saidform of Inandrel means and also shows a portion of the tube undergoingelectric buttwelding, such view representing a partof one contact deviceand also a part of one compressing device, such view also showing a partof the mandrel-frame-fastening device located at that end of the mandrel-frame opposite to the end shown in Fig. I. Fig. IVis a detail viewof a form ot` mandrel means different from the form shown in thepreceding three tigures.

Two mandrcls A are formed as individual rolls iu duplicate of eachother. They are located parallel with each other and their axes a inline with each other; but they are sufticiently separated from eachother to be electrically free from each other. Each of said axes is journaled in a bar B, parallel with its mandrel-roll, such two bars beingsecured to an intermediate bar C byfastening devices b, parallel withsaid axes. Insulating material c is interposed between the members andfastening devices of the framework, so as to effectually insulate eachmandrel-roll thereon. The peripheries of the mandrel-rolls fit withinthe longitudinal central recess d of beam D, and said bar C is securedin longitudin al adjustment on such beam by screwbolt e, passing freelythrough longitudinal vertical slot f, formed in bar C and engaging withbeam D. That end of beam D farthest from the mandrel-rolls is connectedto any suitable fastening device E. The opposite end portion of beam Dis provided with two depending hangers g, diverging from each other, soas to be located in planes substantially at right angles to one anotherand substantially at angles of forty-tive degrees inclination to thehorizontal axes of the mandrel-rolls. Each of such hangers has journaledtherein the axis of a mandrel-framesupporting roll F, such rolls F beingformed in duplicate and located relatively to each other and to themandrel-rolls at angles substantially same as their hangers g.

Two electric conducting-rolls Gr, only certain immediate portions ofwhich are shown in the drawings, are located above the mandrel-rolls inplanes slightly angular' to the latter, such contact-rolls having aclearspace between each other and adapted to bear, respectively, uponthe opposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube to be welded,while free from bearing upon such joint, each of such contact-rollsadapted to have contact with only one of said two edge portions, and theconstruction of the machine being such that the electric current istransmitted across the joint by said edge portions when the tube isbeing welded. These two con tact-rolls are in equal degree slightlyinclined tothe plane determined by the longitudinal tube-joint and theaxis of the tube, such inclination serving to aid in properly bringingtogether the tube-joint edges without bending the latter. The verticalplane passing through the axes of the mandrel-rolls is relatively to thepassage of the tube through the machine before the vertical planepassing through the axes IOO kal

of the contact-rolls, such two planes being parallel with each other andat right angles to the line of the tube movement. Hence the extremeprojection of the mandrel means from the axial line of the tube islocated relatively to the direction of the tube movementJ before theextreme projection of the contact means toward said axial line. In Fig.III said vertical plane of the axes of the mandrel-rolls is indicated bythe dotted line .fr and said vertical plane of the axes of thecontact-rolls is indicated by the dotted line y y. Preferably thedistance between such two` axial planes is about one-halt' inch; butsaid distance may be varied more or less from the said one-half inch,according to the diameter of the tube, its density of metal, or otherpremises ofthe particular case. The two sets ot' rolls are, however,relatively located so that a plane right angular to said line ofmovement of the tube may pass through all four rolls. Hence while thedifference between the locations of said axial planes causes the edgeportions of the tube to be firmly supported by the mandrel-rolls beforethe contact-rolls exert their greatest pressure thereon, yet the bodiesof such two sets of rolls are so closely located together that themandrelrolls provide ample support for said extreme pressure of thecontact-rolls.

The contact periphery of each mandrel-roll is formed with bevel 7L,which has its greatest projection from the roll-axis nearest the planedetermined by the tube-axis and its joint, such bevel peripheriescausing the immediate edge portions of the tube-joint to be subjected tothe electric current exclusively of the remaining metalof thetube. Eachinandrel-roll is about one-half of the width of each contact-roll, thetwo contact-rolls having their half-width portions, which are adjacentto each other, respectively located in vertical planes substantiallyover the mandrel-rolls. The space between the contactrolls and themandrel-rolls is of a size adapted to permit the tube edge portions tobe in proper compression between the two sets of 7 rolls duringthenormal operation of themachine. The tube-compression rolls H have onlyso much of their portions shown in the drawings as are nearest to themandrel-rolls and are sufficient to illustrate Atheir subject-matter.Each of such compression-rolls has a concave face adapted to receive andpartially inclose the tube. They Work conjointly with the cooperativemembers of the machine and are adapted to make a definite and materialupset on each of the two meeting edge portions of the tube. The axes ofthe tube-compression rolls H and the axes of the mandrelframe-supportingrolls F are located in the same vertical plane at right angles to theline of the tube movement, such plane being indicated by dotted line z zin Fig. III and being parallel with line y y. In said Fig. III

the plane indicated by line y y is illustrated as being relatively tothe passage of the tube through the machine as much before the planeindicated by line ,a ,c as the plane indicated by line x is illustratedas being before the plane indicated by line y y; but the degree ofdistance of such three planes from each other may, provided such planesmaintain 'relative order of sequence, as described, vary according tothe premises of each particular instance, which premises include thediameter of the tube, the thickness of the metal of the tube, and thedensity of such metal; but While relatively to the passage of the tubethrough the machine the axial plane of the mandrel-rolls across the lineof movement of the tube is before the axial plane of theconducting-rolls across such line, and the axial plane of the conducting-rolls across the line of movement of the tube is before the axialplane of the tube-compression rolls across such line, and the axialplane of the mandrel-frame-supporting rolls across the line of tubemovement is coincident with the axial plane of the tube-compressionrolls across such line, yet said four sets of rolls are relativelylocated so that a plane right angular to said line of movement of thetube may pass through all the eight rolls. Thereby the mandrel-rollsprovide greatest projecting bearing for any certain cross-sectional partof the tube edge portions prior to the application of the greatestelectrical energy of the contactrolls to said tube edge portions, whilesuch extreme electrical energy is exerted upon such certaincross-sectional part of the tube edge portions before thecompression-,rolls exert their extreme mechanical energy upon such part,and the pressure exerted by the contact-rolls is transmitted through themandrel-rolls and their frame and the frame-supporting rolls, so as tofall upon any certain lower cross-sectional part of the tube that isdirectly above and supported by the axial bearing of thetube-compression rolls.

In the operation of the machine the edge portions of the butt-joint ot'the tube are maintained in proper relative position by themandrel-rolls, the latter providing bearing in resistance to thepressure of the contactrolls, such as to prevent said edge portions frombeing depressed or bent out of circular plane with each other. Themandrel-rolls thus sustain the edge portions of the tube in butt contactagainst one another, so as to permit the contact-rolls to bear down onsaid edge portions with desired pressure to cause the electric currentto properly pass from one contact-roll to the kother by transmission ofthe current transversely through-said tube edge portions across thetube-joint, thereby heating the immediate and proper edge portions ofthe metal on opposite sides of said joint to the desired degree ofwelding heat. The tube is then subjected to the final degree of compression between the compression- IOO IIO

rolls,which completely compresses such heat'- ed immediate edge portionsof the butt-joint together and finishes the weld, as'desired.

In Fig. IV of the drawings is shown a single mandrel-roll L, which maybe used as a form of mandrel means in substitution for the two-part formof mandrel means shown in the other figures of the drawings. Thismandrel L has a working peripheryl, which is beveled so as to have itsgreatest projection from the roll-axis in its central transverse planecorresponding to the bevels h of two-part mandrel means.

By the term tube throughout the foregoing description and the followingclaims I do not restrict my meaning to an article curved or of anyparticular size in cross-sectional form, and I include under said terman article of any appropriate size and angular form in'cross-section.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employedinstead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanismherein disclosed, provided the means stated by any one of the followingclaims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as myinvention- 1. In a tube-welding machine, the combinationof electriccontact means, and mandrel means which provide bearing for the tube edgeportions in resistance to the pressure of said contact means, theextreme projection of said mandrel means from the axial line of the tubebeing located relatively to the direction of the tube movement beforethe extreme projection of said contact means toward said axial line,sueh mandrel means being also electrically insulated and adapted not toconduct electricity, substantially as set forth.

2. In a tube-welding machine, the combi- 4nation of electric contactmeans, and mandrel means which provide bearing for the tube edgeportions in resistance to the pressure of said contact means, togetherwith a frame supporting said mandrel means and electrically insulatedfrom the latter, the extreme projection of said mandrel means from theaxial line of the tube being located relatively to the direction of thetube movement before the extreme projection of said contact means towardsaid axial line, the construction of said members and their relativeinsulation being such as to exclude said mandrel means from conductingelectricity, substantially as set forth.

3. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of anelectric-curient-conducting roll, and an electricallyinsulatedmandrelroll which provides bearing for the tube edge portion inresistance to the pressure of said conducting-roll, suchmandrel-rollhavingits axis located in a plane relatively to the passageof the tube through the machine before the plane in which the axis ofsaid conducting-roll is located, such two planes being parallel and atright angles to the line of movement of the tube, substantially as setforth.

4. In a tube-welding machine, the coinbi nation ot' electric contactdevices, and mandrel means adapted to provide bearing for the tube edgeportions in resistance to the pressure of said contact devices,tube-compressing rolls located respectively on opposite sides of saidcontact devices and tending to force the butt edges of the tubetogether, a mandrel-frame, supporting means for said frame located inthe same plane across the line of movement of the tube as are the axesof said tube-compressing rolls and adapted to bear against that portionof the tube which is at that time located in said plane, substantiallyas set forth.

5. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-curient-conducting devices respectively connected with oppositeelectric poles and adapted to have contact respectively with theopposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube, two rolls adapted tocompress such tube between them and thereby force said joint edgestogether, mandrel means which provide bearing for said butt edgeportions in resistance to the pressure of said contact devices, theextreme proj ection of said mandrel means from the axial line of thetube being located relatively to the direction of the tube movementbefore the extreme projection of said contact means toward said axialline, a mandrel-frame, supporting means for said frame located in theaxial plane of said compression-rolls across the line of movement of thetube and adapted to bear upon such portion of the tube as may at anycertain time be located in said plane, substantially as set forth.

G. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting devices respectively connected with oppositeelectric poles and adapted to have contact respectively with theopposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube while free fromcontact with such joint, mandrel means adapted to provide bearing forsaid tube edge portions in resistance to the pressure of said conductingdevices, a mandrel-frame, supports for said frame adapted to bear uponthe tube, said conducting devices, mandrel means, frame and supportsbeing relatively located so that a plane substantially right angular tothe line of movement of the tube may pass through them all,substantially as set forth.

7. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting devices respectively connected with oppositeelectric poles and adapted to have contact respectively with theopposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube while free fromcontact with such joint, two compression-rolls located respectively onopposise sides of said conducting devices and tending to force said buttedges together, mandrel means adapted to provide bearing for said tubeedge portions IOO f IIO in resistance to the pressure of said conductingdevices, two supports each angular to the line of movement ot' the tube,a frame counecting said mandrel means and supports, substantially as setforth.

8. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting devices respectively connected withYopposite electric poles and adapted to have contact respectively withthe opposite edge portions of thek butt-joint of a tube while free fromcontact with such joint, two compressor-rolls located respectively onopposite sides of said conducting devices and tending to force said buttedges together, mandrel means adapted to provide bearing for said tubeedge' portions in resistance to 'the pressure of said conductingdevices, two supports each angular to the line of movement of the tubeand inclined to the axes of said compressor-rolls, a frame connectingsaid mandrel means and supports, said conducting devices,compressor-rolls, mandrel means, supports and intermediate frame beingrelatively located so that a plane substantially right angular to theline of movement of the tube may pass through-them all, substantially asset forth.

9. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting devices r espectively connected withopposite electric poles and adapted to have contact respectively withthe opposite edge portions of im wthe butt-joint of a tube while freefrom contact with such joint, and two compressor-rolls locatedrespectively on opposite sides of said conducting devices and tending toforce said butt edges together, mandrel means adapted to provide bearingfor said tube edge portions in resistance to the pressure of saidconducting devices, two supports each angular to the line of movement ofthe tube and adapted to bear upon the latter in the axial plane of saidcompressor rolls, a frame connecting said mandrel means and supports,said conducting devices, compressor-rolls, mandrel means and supportsbeing relatively located so that a plane substantially right angular tothe line of movement of the tube may pass through them all, said frameconnected to a fastening device located out of said plane, substantiallyas set forth. l

10. In a tube-Welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conductingdevices respectively connected with oppositeelectric poles and adapted to have contact respectively with theopposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube while free from con-.tact with such joint, two compressors located ed to bear upon thelatter, a frame connect ing said mandrel means and supports, saidconducting devices, compressors, ymandrel means and supports beingrelatively located so that a plane substantially right angular to theline of movement of the tube may pass through them all, said conductingdevices, compressors, mandrel means and supports being severally formedas rolls, substantially as set forth.

11. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting deducting devices, two supports each angularto the line of movement of the tube, a frame connecting said mandrelmeans and supports, said frame located within the plane determined bythe tube-joint and the tube-axis, said two supports having free endsadapted to bear upon the tube respectively to opposite sides of saidplane, substantially as set forth.

12. In a tube-welding machine, the combination of twoelectric-current-conducting devices respectively connected With oppositeelectric poles and adapted to have contact respectively with theopposite edge portions of the butt-joint of a tube while free fromcontact with such joint, two compressor-rolls located respectively onopposite sides of said conducting devices and tending to force said buttedges together, mandrel means which provide bearing for said tube edgeportions in resistance to the pressure of said conduct= ing devices, theextreme projection of said mandrel means from the vaxial line of thetube being located relatively to the direction of the tube movementbefore the extreme projection of said contact means toward said axialline, two supports located angularly to each other and in the axialplane of said compressor-rolls'across the line of movement of the tubeand adapted to have antifrictional end bearing upon the tube, a frameconnecting said mandrel means and supports and located within the planedetermined by the tube-axis and the tube-joint, said two supports havingtheir said bearing upon the tube respectively to opposite sides of saidplane, substantially as set forth.

Signed by me this 24th day of January,

WILLIAM S. GORTON. Attest:

THos. B. HALL, D. T. DAvIEs.

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